A Dark Fantasy Spy

---

My dad, who was once called the manager of the logistics industry, was actually an operative in the Information Command.

Sometimes, when I quietly watched my dad looking tired, he would always smile and say this:

“Crises and opportunities.

These two have the power to make even ordinary people desperate.”

—

Episode 15 – Life is Beautiful

—

It was an ordinary day.

I sat in the office wrestling with paperwork, getting scolded by my superior in the office I entered to report. A quick lunch, a nap, and then finish the accounts before packing up and heading home.

Having spent over a decade in the information unit, my mundane life had become a part of my existence. Or rather, it might as well be my entire life.

Perhaps that’s why.

These days, something felt a bit off.

Sitting around a table with my subordinates, munching on snacks felt just so-so. Watching TV with my family was also just passable.

Nothing I did was fun, and nothing I ate seemed tasty, making such thoughts pretty natural.

“Life is dull.”

As I mumbled while clutching my mobile phone, Camila’s voice came through the line.

-‘I guess you called because you’re bored.’

“I see you haven’t gone to sleep yet.”

-‘Hmm. I have a feeling that today, important news is coming my way.’

Camila and I often called each other around dinner time. Despite the significant time and spatial differences between the Kien Empire and the Kingdom of Abas, extremely advanced magical engineering connected people across space and time.

Thanks to this, I was able to wrap up a day that might have otherwise ended up boring rather nicely.

-‘I felt like I shouldn’t sleep early today.’

“You seem to be taking pride in bragging about your late sleep.”

-‘Nah, it’s not like it’s just today, right? And here, nobody scolds you for sleeping in.’

Camila’s lightly chuckling voice brushed against my ears, riding the waves of magical energy.

-‘The food is delicious, I can sleep well! Ah, and of course, studying magic is fun too. I almost want to live here for the rest of my life.’

“Why are you so excited? Did something fun happen?”

-‘Yesterday, a professor from the Imperial Magic University let me ride a royal lizard. The professor warned me not to, saying it might fall, but honestly, it felt completely safe!’

‘Professor’ was the title given to the Archduchess Alexandra Petrovna.

When I asked why she referred to someone who wasn’t even an educator as a professor, she replied that calling her ‘Professor’ felt more comfortable than ‘Archduchess’. Apparently, it made her feel like she was truly learning magic or something.

The Archduchess didn’t seem to mind, as it appeared that Camila’s reference had already solidified. Last time I asked Francesca about the Archduchess’s whereabouts, she mentioned that the Archduchess actually seemed to prefer being called Professor by Camila.

Anyway, both Camila and the Archduchess had such peculiar tastes…

-‘When you look at it in the reference book, it looks terrifying, but seeing it in person, instead of scary, it’s actually cute! Their temperament is docile too, so it behaves calmly even with someone riding on its back.’

“Why did you ride it if they told you not to?”

-‘Well… because it looked fun?’

She’s just impossible. I held the phone and laughed aloud.

Despite the hardships of living abroad, her laughter remained unchanged. Compared to the mischievous Veronica, Camila was utterly innocent; yet, sometimes that innocence could leave others feeling perplexed.

The Archduchess must have had her own struggles too. But what could she do? She had chosen her own disciple. She just had to endure.

As usual, Camila’s playful voice sparked my curiosity again.

-‘By the way, is there something bad happening these days?’

“Not really.”

-‘Then what’s bothering you?’

After a moment of contemplation, I decided to share my feelings.

“I guess I’d say I’m bored. Frustrated, maybe. Things just haven’t been going my way lately.”

-‘Elaborate more on that.’

“Well….”

It took about three minutes to explain everything that had happened today. From finding new colleagues, setting plans for a business trip abroad, to how those plans fell through at Leoni’s hands.

As Camila listened quietly, she finally spoke as soon as I finished explaining.

-‘Ah, I see now. That’s the issue, huh?’

Her tone implied she understood well.

If she were in front of me right now, she might even nod with her arms crossed. That thought lingered in my mind for a moment before Camila continued.

-‘So your carefully devised project was rejected? In that case, you contacted me because you were feeling upset, right?’

“Is it necessary to even call it upset? No matter how promising a project looks, if it lacks vision, it’s common for it to get cut by the higher-ups.”

-‘Hmm… then you’re not angry either.’

“Correct.”

Her thoughtful tone tickled my eardrums through the phone. Camila seemed lost in deep contemplation.

-‘So you’re neither upset nor angry. But you’re feeling uneasy. Since I’ve heard enough, we don’t really need to rehash it… May I ask you just one fundamental question?’

A fundamental question.

While I didn’t know what that might be, it couldn’t hurt to hear it. I willingly gave my okay.

After a moment of deep thought, Camila asked me her question.

-‘What’s your reason for wanting to go abroad?’

—

“What’s my reason?”

Leoni asked.

“Why are you suddenly asking for such a favor? You want to send that major overseas?”

“Is it necessary to question a junior asking a senior for a favor? Isn’t it our culture to support each other?”

“Cut the chatter. Give me the real reason.”

“Ugh….”

Clevenz, clearly dissatisfied, placed his hands on his knees. Crossing one’s legs in front of a senior in the strictly hierarchical society of Abas was taboo, but no one chastised him.

Clevenz was a general of the Military Intelligence Agency. And Leoni detested those without spine or guts the most.

Thus, Leoni did not scold his junior. Although his cheeky attitude was annoying, Clevenz had the skills to back it up.

“Did I not ask if there was any reason to send Frederick abroad?”

“Yeah.”

“Then let’s turn the tables. Is there a reason why he shouldn’t go abroad?”

“Is that even a question?”

Leoni responded bluntly.

“Do you know what happens when a guy from the counterintelligence department, whose identity has been exposed, gets caught in the field?”

The operative spoke up.

“If a diplomat gets caught in the field, it’s a diplomatic disaster. If it were any other white agent, they’d just sweep it under the rug thanks to their immunity, but he can’t.”

“Is it because he’s a hero’s ally?”

“Exactly.”

With her back rested against the sofa in the office, Leoni supplemented her colleague’s points. She had successfully managed to rise through the ranks from the head of the Military Intelligence Agency’s branch to the command of the intelligence unit.

“Even if he operates in black, the same goes. Has there been a case where an employee working as an official disguise suddenly converted to an unofficial one?”

Clevenz shook his head instantly.

“No. Unless it’s the other way around.”

“Major has already transitioned to an official disguise. He’s not just some casual contract worker at an embassy; he’s a military attaché with a well-known face. This is why other intelligence agencies are keeping an eye on him.”

“That’s correct.”

“The proposal to move Major’s residence to the embassy originally came from you. You even took responsibility for ensuring the safety and welfare of his family. So, you should know better than I do, right?”

“……”

The domestic affairs director fell silent.

Seeing that, the overseas affairs director continued.

“One slip and his head is gone. It’s no exaggeration to say he could get shot and killed with a bullet. So sending him to a dangerous operation within a civil war zone is equivalent to telling him to die.”

“……”

“Adding a small feather to a boat can lead to a disaster. This is the kind of situation where taking him abroad is impossible, especially into a territory tightly held by the Imperial Guard HQ. Right?”

The logic from the overseas military intelligence director was solid. It was almost flawless.

Leoni smiled somewhat proudly. Her face was lined with age, and her expression might have seemed fierce, but it wasn’t entirely menacing.

“So wasn’t it decided that we’d put him in the embassy? It’s also true that asking the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Internal Affairs for protection for a kid who hasn’t even been approved by a committee is just a precaution. Does that answer your question?”

“So you indeed want to protect Frederick.”

“Who else would be such a noble protector?”

Clevenz simply smiled at Leoni’s words, not reacting to her.

He lifted his teacup to quench his thirst. He didn’t speak more.

The domestic affairs director snapped out of his deep thoughts as soon as his fingers twitched on his knee.

“Now I understand why you haven’t approved the sending of Frederick abroad. But do you know what else?”

“What?”

“That you and that major bear a striking resemblance.”

“Is that so?”

Leoni, with a fold in her brow, leaned slightly forward.

Her eagle-like brows arched even further in interest. She didn’t open her mouth, but it was clear she was wondering what that meant.

Clevenz, still sporting a pleasant smile, asked.

“May I ask just one thing, senior?”

“What scheme are you hatching this time?”

The invitation was there to speak freely.

Facing off against Leoni, Clevenz, without dropping his grin, continued.

“Why did you join the intelligence unit?”

—

“Why do you want to go abroad?”

“Yes.”

Camila affirmed.

“To be precise, it’s a bit of a microscopically personal question… I’m not really asking why you want to go abroad. I’m asking why you joined the intelligence agency.”

When the question that wasn’t straightforward was posed, my immediate thought was one of doubt.

The reason I joined the intelligence agency.

I gazed out the window and fell into contemplation.

-‘Was that too abrupt a question?’

“No, not really…”

My inability to respond promptly came from a simple truth. I didn’t even know why I had joined the intelligence agency myself.

“It was a question I encountered at the time of application. Other than then, I’ve never been asked such a question…”

As I stroked my cheek and chin with my hand, I mumbled. Then, I began to reflect deeply.

What could possibly be the reason for choosing the path of an intelligence officer?

To answer that question, I had to retrace my life.

From the moment I opened my eyes in this region, I wanted to survive no matter what the situation unfolded.

A little more safely, a little more comfortably. Even if society was chaotic, to be able to maintain stability. If the country couldn’t fulfill its function anymore and collapsed, at least to keep my life intact.

Thus, the path I chose was that of a soldier. The military is the largest sanctioned power group of the country, and when society collapses inevitably, power gravitated towards the armed group.

There was no special reason behind it.

Despite saying things like patriotism during the officer academy interviews, the truth was, I had almost no sense of patriotism. The same goes for why I entered the Military Intelligence Agency.

There are no laws against returning to my previous espionage career. The experience I garnered from the Information Command might not serve me well in private enterprises, but it would be a significant asset in the Military Intelligence Agency.

Fortunately, that decision proved correct.

The experience gained in the Information Command surpassed mediocre newcomers. The know-how accumulated over a decade would prove invaluable for overseas assignments, and the honors and accolades I received opened a path for promotions. Thanks to that, I could outpace numerous counterintelligence agents and snag the advisor position under Clevenz.

Everything went smoothly.

Having supported a colonel slated for promotion to general, my military life was practically on a roll. The moment Clevenz was promoted to director, I’d transition to an office role, and when I advanced to senior from the counterintelligence division, I would grasp tremendous power comparable to the security service officers from military rule years past.

So did I join the intelligence agency for power?

“……”

Logically, that would be the correct answer, but no matter how I thought about it, power didn’t make sense as a valid reason. Had I truly desired power, I would have joined the domestic division following Clevenz when he initially offered me a position.

Then what was the reason I wanted to go abroad?

I glanced up at the night sky, lost in thought.

After much contemplation, the answer that emerged felt slightly embarrassing to me.

“…Did I just want to go abroad?”

A snort of laughter came through the phone line.

-‘What does that even mean? Did you have such a simple dream?’

“Simple? There are so many people who have never even traveled abroad in their lives. Here, it’s not like you can casually take a vacation like a journey around the Earth.”

-‘So were you satisfied?’

“……”

I gently shook my head.

The overseas experiences I endured were light-years apart from mere travel or studying abroad. Some of the business trips were so harsh, it would have made more sense to have not gone at all.

As I shared this, Camila then scolded me, wondering why someone who knew how tough it was would still want to be in the intelligence agency.

She continued.

-‘I know. I understand how hard it is to live abroad. The food doesn’t adapt well. The weather is blistering. Public officials react moderately to any requests, and the accommodations can be dismal. When I volunteered in Sudan, I almost died! There were rebels blocking the road, firing guns into the air as threats….’

“Seriously, why would you go to such a place?”

-‘I went because I didn’t know! No, did I know and still go?’

As she continued to ramble, I could only stare at the phone in disbelief. What was this? Did she think she had more than one life?

But Camila was completely unfazed. Since we were so far apart, it was easy for her to act like that without seeing my expressions.

-‘Anyway! I now get that your reason for going abroad was simply because of a humble dream. But what about your reason for joining the intelligence agency?’

Just like that, Camila threw forth her next question.

-‘You didn’t join the intelligence agency to go abroad, right? If you truly wanted to experience foreign countries, you could have studied abroad or joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Nobody joins the intelligence agency just for some foreign travel, right?’

“That’s true.”

-‘So why did you join then?’

It felt like we were stuck in a loop. The simple question turned back around to the starting point.

At that moment, I could sink into deep thought again. After careful reflection, another answer began to take shape.

“I entered to catch the Reds.”

The reason I joined the intelligence agency was to catch communists, plain and simple.

Thus, I applied to the Information Command, thanks to a recommendation from my uncle, who was a junior of my dad.

Though some interviewers opposed my entry due to an overly emotional motivation that might lead to future incidents, they couldn’t stop my entrance into the agency.

My answer, wrought from deep contemplation, did not seem to satisfy Camila. She seemed unsatisfied and began to voice her frustration.

-‘Um…! That’s not a bad answer, but that’s your motivation for joining the Information Command, not the Military Intelligence Agency, right?’

“Uh.”

Realizing that was indeed the case, I fell silent.

While my motivation for joining the Information Command was to catch Reds, that wasn’t what had led me to apply for the Military Intelligence Agency.

So what was it?

The conjectures unraveled one after the other. However, a clear reason didn’t come to mind.

It felt as if I was playing twenty questions, the answer lingering almost just out of reach. In my frustration, I put a cigarette to my lips, and it seemed as though Camila felt the same frustration and decided to change the subject.

-‘Ah, my mind’s boggling…. Let’s stop this conversation for now. Otherwise, the sun’s going to rise soon. Let’s return to the main topic.’

Breaking off the digression, Camila threw me a straightforward question.

The reason I sought an overseas business trip.

She asked me that.

“Isn’t it a dangerous area?”

It was a much simpler question, easier to answer.

“It’s a hellhole there, and I need to go. If I’m not even given any intel before going in, I have to go myself and gather field information.”

-‘But it’s dangerous, right?’

“Exactly, which is why I need to go. Don’t you worry at all?”

-‘Worried? Of course I am.’

Camila raised her voice with a tone that suggested how obvious it was. Listening to her tone, I felt some relief.

At least I could reassure myself that she was a person who did live with worries.

-‘Of course, I am concerned. It’s a dangerous place. But do you know what’s strange?’

“What’s that?”

-‘You said you’d go alone. To Mauritania.’

“So?”

After a deep sigh, Camila opened her mouth.

-‘Normally, no one would volunteer to go alone to such a dangerous place, right?’

—

“What do you mean by that?”

“Why are you pretending not to understand? Are you getting hard of hearing as you’re getting older?”

“Me? Like the major resembles me? Where’s that nonsense even coming from?”

“It’s just saying there’s a resemblance.”

Clevenz smoothly continued.

“I don’t know the reason you came here, but I do know what sort of person you are. It’s nearly been 20 years since we’ve shared meals together.”

Having spent nearly two decades within the Military Intelligence Agency and almost that long living together, I knew well what sort of person he was.

“Don’t you realize you are a peculiar being?”

“What an nonsense…. How dare you call your senior a peculiar person?”

Clevenz let out a hearty laugh.

“Is that not so? You really think I’m wrong?”

Leoni, now relaxed in her demeanor, leaned back slightly.

“With the way you’ve been overseas for 15 years and counting, it seems you’ve done your share. You’ve transitioned from an operational cover in the Kien Empire for 5 years, followed by 3 years in the previously imperial colony of the Latuan Republic, and another 4 years back to the Empire again. You spent 2 years managing the branch in the Southern Lushan Federal Kingdom. Counting short trips, how many countries do you think you’ve been to, senior?”

“Taking even the days spent in the countries, considering all the places, it’s about roughly 80 I’d guess. I lost count after that.”

“You really have traveled a lot.”

Considering all the forgotten countries through Leoni’s memory, it was entirely possible that she had visited over 100 in her lifetime.

Clevenz rested his arm on the armrest and began to speak leisurely.

“I doubt there’s anyone in the entire company who has worked as hard as you. Even across the entire continent, there aren’t many like you in the Abas intelligence agency.”

“Spare me your flattery.”

“Bah… Why do you live so diligently?”

When asked by a junior, the senior gave an answer.

“Is there any reason I should be doing this national business? Since when have we ever worked with reasons in our lives?”

“You just did as told?”

The investigator inquired, and the senior replied.

“When told, you oblige, right? That’s our way.”

“Ah, of course. That’s obvious, but….”

As the domestic affairs director trailed off, Clevenz stroked his stubbled beard and grinned.

“Normally, even a person with strong professional ethics wouldn’t work that hard.”

The intelligence agency always emphasized devotion and passion, but they didn’t require it in every task.

After all, the intelligence agency, like any workplace, consisted of people, and intelligence officers were civil servants receiving salaries.

With routine, one slips into a mannerism; that’s how fresh employees with initial dreams turn into resigned bureaucrats just waiting for retirement.

The intelligence agency was not an exception to this rule.

Yet sometimes, peculiar types like you throw things into disarray within the organization.

“Most people would avoid overseas postings for fear of the risks. You really needed to go that far?”

“Shouldn’t someone go?”

Leoni raised her eyebrows in thought.

“Then was there a reason you personally shouldn’t be going?”

“In that case, what reason has kept you from withdrawing? People in their 30s rush to move to office roles behind the lines, yet you remained in the field even when asked to return.”

“For me to be reassured, I must handle matters directly.”

“So it was when you razed the Magic Tower Secretariat and when you eliminated the Dark Magician in Patalia too? Such a peculiar person.”

“That applies to you as well. While others are retreating to desks, you went out onto the field to catch spies.”

“……”

Leoni chuckled lightly at the silent smile from Clevenz.

“I can’t say anything in front of a senior. Regardless, you should know one peculiar thing.”

“What’s that?”

“The point I want to make is that both you and Frederick share similarities. It’s just like how you arbitrarily head out to take charge, much like what you were known for before.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

—

Caught deep in thought, I slowly spoke up.

“Because it’s dangerous, I need to go.”

-‘Do you even foresee any accidents happening there? You could’ve talked to us first.’

“You can’t expect me to take you all with me.”

I reassured Camila, who spoke worriedly despite herself while maintaining her subtle statements.

“Since it’s dangerous, I thought to go alone. How can I possibly bring you all along?”

-‘Oh, you were going to go alone because you were worried about us, huh?’

Does that even sound right?

Whatever the case.

I held onto my phone, without so much as swiping my lips, to offer words to calm Camila.

“When I get there, there will be other personnel besides me. Just because I’m departing alone doesn’t mean I’ll be the only one.”

-‘Does that even make sense?’

Yet Camila was not an easy person to dismiss with simple words.

-‘You reported and got denied. So why would you even consider going there alone? If the higher-ups deemed it risky, isn’t it safe to say it’s risky for you to move, whether alone or with others? You think that logic is flawed?’

“Uh, no. Just a moment…”

I adjusted my grip on the phone, stammering, flustered.

To present the truth, what I had just affirmed was an outright deception. It was true that there was a military intelligence agency’s office present on-site, but there were no plans for me to cooperate with the manpower stationed there.

After all, “quietly” handling the operations was crucial; that meant the mission needed to be a solitary endeavor, didn’t it?

Of course, if I said that, Camila would likely ride up to Abas with a broomstick, so I initially committed to that white lie. After all, it was a realm where Camila had no say in the activities of the Intelligence Agency.

But I realized.

-‘Your statements are contradictory!’

Ultimately, trying to take a piece of fruit from the tree only led to attaching another piece onto it, and I had to exert extra effort to calm Camila. After all the argument, she finally regained her stability and gave me a stern warning.

-‘Don’t even think about absurd ideas. Why would you go to such a place alone?’

“Alright, I got it….”

-‘While I appreciate your consideration for us, please, think and speak within common sense. That area isn’t a tourist destination. Are you really describing there like it’s a backpacking trip?’

Though I had successfully soothed Camila, the issue still remained unresolved.

Soon, I needed to enter the Mauritania Continent, but I had no intel nor could I identify any possible risks.

Dissatisfied with the situation, I voiced my grievances to Camila with hopes there would be some good solutions.

Of course, I didn’t expect a civilian like her could truly offer me any help.

Yet surprisingly, Camila earnestly listened to my dilemma.

-‘Hmm… Let’s summarize. The purpose of your overseas assignment is reasonable, and you’ve prepared a plan. However, the company denies you permission. Why’s that?’

“The region is unstable.”

-‘What specifically makes it unstable? Is it merely that it’s a war-torn area lacking law enforcement?’

I shook my head.

“It’s more about the other companies operating there.”

-‘I see.’

Just as Syria became a playground for intelligence agencies worldwide, the Mauritania Continent has turned into the playground for the intelligence agencies of this region. What it implies is that numerous countries are competing for influence and resources within Mauritania.

The primary aim, of course, is the power struggle. The canal that runs through Mauritania, rich natural resources, and magical stones are prime examples.

As a consequence, a whole swarm of ‘flies’ have gathered. The Imperial Guard HQ, the Inquisition, the National Security Agency, and the Total Intelligence Agency… not to mention the Royal Intelligence Department, which is also involved.

The pressing fears were with the Imperial Guard HQ and the Inquisition.

The Kien Empire maintains a close relationship with the dictatorial regime of Mauritania and has been keeping a wary eye on the Kingdom of Abas, which is tightly linked to local democratic governance. But now that Northern troubles have worn down the Empire’s strength, the cult has broken in to wreak havoc. So what had unfolded?

It was certain the Imperial Guard HQ branches in Mauritania were likely on high alert.

While we didn’t know the complete internal dynamics, a common analysis suggested that with North’s issues being resolved, the Empire’s intelligence agencies, centered on the Imperial Guard HQ, would likely shake the very foundations of the Mauritania Continent once more. But this too was just conjecture.

When I shared these thoughts, Camila seemed to consider my words deeply before finally opening her mouth.

-‘Then wouldn’t removing the cause of that instability resolve it?’

“The cause, you say?”

-‘Your higher-ups denied your transfer because of the risks posed by other intelligence agencies, right? So wouldn’t it make sense to eliminate those threats?’

“Now, is that something you can even propose? Do you think that’s realistic?”

-‘It’s not required that one must outright eliminate the perceived threats. What’s more important is the higher-ups’ mindset. Their perception that such a threat exists means they’re afraid of sending you out there, worried something might develop should you be sent.’

“……”

-‘Or you may need a compelling reason to head off to the Mauritania Continent. A reason solid enough to increase the potential risks for you to being forced to initiate action.’

I took away my phone and paused to think for a moment.

—

Leoni was reclining against the back of her chair, feeling fatigued. She wasn’t tired from age; rather it was clear the conversation was reaching its conclusion.

Thus, she felt compelled to say this.

“Once again, I’m telling you, they can’t send him overseas. It’s a decision already established by the committee.”

With her firm rejection, the overseas affairs director observed how the domestic affairs director would respond.

One moment passed, and the domestic affairs director simply smiled enigmatically before saying.

“You still don’t know people well enough. Would you care for a little wager?”

“What wager? I detest gambling.”

“Gambling? Please, it’s just for fun.”

While Clevenz tidied up his things and stood up, he clasped his hands behind his back and flashed a friendly grin.

“I wager Frederick will soon visit you.”

“To ask for overseas deployment? We already rejected that once, so does he really intend to bring up the same matter?”

“Who knows. He may or may not come back. But should he reappear, you won’t be able to decline so easily.”

Leoni’s scrutinizing gaze sharpened as it landed squarely on Clevenz’s face.

“You seem to have heard some interesting news. Why not share it with the director?”

“I haven’t heard anything. I know nothing more than others. Proposing a bet when I already know the terms feels unnatural, right?”

“That’s the most enjoyable form of betting, to know your opponent’s cards in advance.”

“That’s just cheating.”

“I found it quite entertaining with intel agents.”

“Your personality remains atrocious as always.”

As Clevenz finished getting ready to leave, he adjusted his shirt sleeves and straightened himself.

“Anyway, I don’t have any information. Frederick may or may not visit again, but I’m merely proposing this for the fun of it. I bet you’ll approve his overseas deployment.”

“Did I ever say that I’d bet?”

“If you don’t want to, that’s fine.”

“If you lose, you’ll buy drinks.”

“If you lose, you should buy me a drink.”

Letting out a slight chuckle, Leoni lifted her hand dismissively as a signal to leave.

With the communication drawing to a close, there was no longer any reason to linger. Clevenz turned around to walk away.

As he approached the door, the senior, who had been slouched on the sofa, called after him.

“Hey. Who do you think will win this wager? This time’s bet.”

“I surely will.”

“Do you expect me to lose?”

Clevenz shrugged.

“Well, it’s hard to say. But shouldn’t I know the Major better than you do? After all, it’s been nearly 3 years, and I’ve been on his team.”

“……”

“Also, keep in mind this possibility too.”

With a soft click, as he unlocked the door and stepped out of the office, he added quietly.

“Who knows what trouble may crop up this time.”

—

Two minutes of silence passed, and Camila, who had been sprawled on her bed, suddenly looked up.

Careful to avoid the spread-out magical texts and reference books, she positioned herself on her elbows. The sight resembled a Sphinx raided by the French and handed over to the British.

“Hello?”

-‘…Ah. Sorry, I was just thinking for a moment.’

“Feel free to think it through some more if you need.”

What could be consuming her thoughts for this long? Camila tilted her head oddly in curiosity.

With a finger, she nudged at the crystal sitting on the table.

“Hmm….”

The nudged crystal glided across the surface like a sled on ice, gliding smoothly. It was a magical tool gifted to her by the Ministry of Magic as thanks for resolving the northern conflict.

The magical tool was crafted from a magical stone. Its origin was from the northern region of the Kien Empire. Coincidentally, it was made from the high-quality magical stones mined at the rift she had used to fend off a monster.

The ministry employee who brought it to her said that they had utilized the finest magical stones which had been harvested from the rift workings that had just resumed their operations this year. They described that no matter where it’s placed, it would float, simply serving as an ornamental piece.

That was all it could do.

While the pristine nature of even a tiny magical stone could fetch astronomical prices, explaining just how rare the magical tool, created from a magical stone larger than Camila’s fist, was would be futile. And furthermore, it had been noted to be of the highest purity. Despite being an ornamental item, its worth stood alone against any jewel, tautology aside.

In fact, the Archduchess present had advised that should she ever need funds, she could sell it. Since the entire north was essentially under the Archduchess’s influence, her words were indeed feasible.

It was a relief, at least, that Camila had not even the slightest intention of selling this magical stone. She felt no need to sell something that looked like it had been borrowed from the movie Avatar just to gain some quick cash.

While she was in the midst of casually tapping the magical stone, causing it to float and dance about, I called mildly across the phone.

-‘Camila.’

“Yes?”

-‘I have a brilliant idea!’

—

—

It was past midnight on Sunday.

While reviewing documents, Leoni answered the phone from her assistant in her office.

-‘I’m sorry, Director. There’s an urgent report that needs your attention.’

“What’s the situation?”

The source of the information came from the Kien Empire’s embassy. An official message had arrived from the newly appointed ambassador.

The contents of the dispatch were simple.

“…Who just left and where to?”

-‘Yes, a hero has just departed for the Mauritania Continent…’

“……”

-‘I’ve already informed all departments. What should we do, Director?’

“Wake the department heads and gather them in the 5th floor conference room.”

That dawn, a crisis arrived for one person at home, while an opportunity arrived for someone waiting in the office.

It was indeed an extraordinarily ironic turn of events.